Affordable housing specialist, Living Space has received full planning approval and completed on the land sale for its largest scheme to date. In partnership with social housing provider, Stonewater, the approved vision will see 6.7 acres of complex brownfield land transformed into a mixed-tenure, 79-home community just outside of Worcester.
Construction of the largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the north west is nearing completion. The finishing touches are now being made at Greenhaus – a highly sustainable development of 96 homes, which is being built on Chapel Street in Salford, opposite Salford Cathedral. The first residents are expected to
As National Apprenticeship Week unfolds from February 5th to 11th, Platform Housing Group shares the impact of its apprenticeship programmes, highlighting the transformative journey of apprentices who are not just participants but drivers of success within the organisation. With a current cohort of 76 apprentices, forming 4.56% of Platform’s dynamic
Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and
Work will shortly begin to deliver hundreds of affordable homes, retail spaces and community facilities across Blackbird Leys, now formal planning permission has been granted by Oxford City Council. The council’s planning committee approved plans to carry out the transformational redevelopment in August, following more than four years of engagement
Platform Housing Group, the largest social landlord in the Midlands, have announced they will be part of this year’s UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May. The housing association is hosting a discussion on redefining partnership working and how it can help solve the housing crisis on
A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider
Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. The project team were joined at the city centre location by Clonrose Developments, who will lead the development of the site. The
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland
Affordable housing specialist, Living Space has received full planning approval and completed on the land sale for its largest scheme to date. In partnership with social housing provider, Stonewater, the approved vision will see 6.7 acres of complex brownfield land transformed into a mixed-tenure, 79-home community just outside of Worcester. Located within the Worcester South Urban Extension area, the approved mixed-tenure development is designed to meet the growing need for affordable housing within the burgeoning cathedral city. The scheme will deliver a mix of property types catering to single occupiers, couples and families – with homes ranging between two-storey terraces and two- three- and four-bedroom semi-detached houses. One and two-bedroom apartments will also be introduced within three-storey units. Access to green space has been a key consideration in the design of the development. Each house will have a secure rear garden and all residents will benefit from the site being enclosed to the east and south by established trees and vegetation. Living Space’s plans also include provision for over 30% of the former brownfield plot to be transformed into Public Open Space – creating biodiversity net gains in excess of 20%. Sustainable urban drainage and new attractive landscape features will support invertebrates, insects, amphibians, birds and small mammals. Further enhancing the sustainability credentials of the development is a bus stop located opposite the site on Bath Road, with three routes to Upton-upon-Severn and Hanley Castle. A second bus stop is just a five-minute walk away – with regular services running to Worcester city centre. Paul Breen, Managing Director for Living Space Housing said: “This scheme marks our fourth project with Stonewater and follows on from our mutual successful developments in Malvern, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster. And, with 79 affordable homes, this project will become Living Space’s largest development to date. “As can be the case with brownfield sites, there are a number of technical complexities to overcome with this redevelopment, but these plans will ensure that we give this land a new lease of life. There is also a public right of way across the land that has been safeguarded, and the scenic riverside setting will be significantly enhanced for the benefit of the new neighbourhood, as well as the wider community.” Matt Crucefix, Director of Development (West and South) for Stonewater said: “There is a shortage of affordable homes in Worcester and the surrounding districts, so I’m delighted we are working once again with Living Space to provide high quality homes that will help to address the needs of local people in an area where the gap between incomes and house prices is considerable. “Upon completion, the homes at Bath Road will provide a sustainable and affordable option for families and individuals looking to rent, or take their first step on the property ladder, helping to meet the areas housing demands.” Works are expected to commence at the end of February 2024 with the first residents moving in by December 2024. Enabling works for the site will include the removal of abandoned buildings previous occupied by site’s former owner. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction of the largest Passivhaus affordable housing scheme in the north west is nearing completion. The finishing touches are now being made at Greenhaus – a highly sustainable development of 96 homes, which is being built on Chapel Street in Salford, opposite Salford Cathedral. The first residents are expected to start moving into Greenhaus this spring. The ground-breaking development is being delivered by The English Cities Fund (ECF) – a joint venture between nationwide placemaker, Muse, Legal & General and Homes England – alongside Salford housing association Salix Homes, and supported by Salford City Council. This week, delegates from the Northern Housing Consortium (NHC) paid a visit to Greenhaus, including leaders from housing associations across the north, to find out more about how sustainable and affordable homes can be delivered on a large scale. NHC Chief Executive Tracy Harrison said: “This is a fantastic example of green homes delivering real change in the north. Projects like this cut carbon, deliver lower bills and warmer, healthier homes, as well as creating good green jobs. This benefits residents, the economy, and the environment. We need an ambitious programme of investment from the government to build on this progress.” The nine-storey development has been built to Passivhaus Classic certified standard, which is the leading low-energy design standard. Passivhaus homes offer high thermal comfort and improved air quality, providing a healthier living environment and homes that are cheaper to heat and run. The sustainable features at Greenhaus include triple glazed windows, the latest insulation technology, improved ventilation and airtightness, air source heat pumps and publicly accessible electric vehicle charging points. The one and two-bedroom homes will be available in a mix of tenures including social rent, affordable rent and rent-to-buy. Sue Sutton, Chief Executive at Salix Homes, said: “Greenhaus is the first and largest development of its kind in the region, setting the benchmark for new-build, affordable and sustainable homes that are fit-for-the-future and support our carbon neutral ambitions. “We were pleased to welcome NHC members to see the development as it nears completion and share with them our experience of how truly sustainable and affordable homes can be built at scale to help tackle the housing crisis – delivering high quality, healthier homes that are better for residents and the environment.” Passivhaus homes offer a range of health benefits for residents. The airtightness, thermal comfort and improved ventilation help protect against airborne pollutants, reduce the risk of illness associated with living in cold homes, and minimise the risk of damp, mould and condensation. Simon Hourihan, Project Director at Muse, said: “Greenhaus is a true partnership project, setting the standard for affordable, sustainable housing in the region. “We’re extremely proud of the whole team, who have been learning together and overcoming challenges to deliver high quality, Passivhaus-certified homes on a large scale. We’re looking forward to completing and residents moving in later this year, and learning more about the positive impact that low-energy homes can have on people’s lives.” Greenhaus is part of ECF’s £1bn, 50-acre Salford Central transformation being delivered in partnership with Salford City Council, and will take the overall percentage of affordable homes delivered by ECF to 25% across the Chapel Street area of the masterplan. The homes are being built by lead contractor Eric Wright Construction and were designed by architect Buttress. Andy Avery, Director at Buttress added: “This milestone is a testament to the team’s vision and skill in designing and delivering innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Buttress’ commitment to Passivhaus design illustrates our dedication to environmental responsibility, creating aesthetically pleasing yet, healthier and affordable places to live for the people of Salford.” Salix Homes secured funding from NatWest, along with grants from Homes England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to help fund the multi-million-pound scheme. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
As National Apprenticeship Week unfolds from February 5th to 11th, Platform Housing Group shares the impact of its apprenticeship programmes, highlighting the transformative journey of apprentices who are not just participants but drivers of success within the organisation. With a current cohort of 76 apprentices, forming 4.56% of Platform’s dynamic workforce, these apprenticeships extend beyond traditional job training. They embody a commitment to unleashing potential and creating opportunities for all to ascend the career ladder. What sets Platform’s apprenticeships apart is their inclusivity. Among the 76 apprentices, 24 are existing colleagues who chose to strengthen their skills and knowledge. This commitment to continuous improvement not only benefits individuals but contributes significantly to the collective growth of the business. Platform recognises that career paths are unique, and apprenticeships shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. From entry-level (level 2) to advanced professional qualifications (level 7), these apprenticeship programmes ensure that the business is building a workforce that can deliver the skills needed now, and in years to come. Working with colleges and providers across the Midlands, Platform has an ambitious target of having 10% of the workforce studying for an apprenticeship by 2026. Dispelling stereotypes, apprenticeships at Platform are not confined to school leavers. A remarkable 61% of apprentices fall within the 20 to 29 age range, showing that apprenticeships are accessible and beneficial for those seeking to enhance their skills, regardless of prior experience or time since leaving formal education. Alice Sanders, a Category Specialist, and former apprentice, shares her success story. “After finishing university, I saw an apprenticeship opportunity within the newly established Procurement Department at Platform. With no prior experience in procurement, the apprenticeship offered me the chance to learn on the job while gaining the qualifications and experience necessary”. “Two and a half years on, my role has evolved and I’m now working as a Category Specialist having successfully completed my Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. Platform has been supportive throughout and I’m looking forward to progressing my career here.” Find out more about Apprenticeships at Platform at https://www.platformhg.com/apprenticeships Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work is underway to deliver Amethyst Homes second development in Newcastle city centre, following the success of its previous development located at Northbourne Street, for Home Group, five years ago. The joint development, in partnership with Bellway, will create 124 new homes, 45 built by Amethyst, comprising two, three and four bedroomed houses. The project has been facilitated by Tynexe, a joint venture company comprising Newcastle City Council and Consett based Dysart Developments, which carried out the necessary reclamation works to prepare the land for development. Richard Bass, Managing Director at Amethyst Homes, said: “This is an exciting development for Amethyst, located just off Westmorland Road in the heart of Newcastle’s West end. “We are confident that this site will help address local housing need and will prove popular, due to its location and the variety of homes on offer. It is rewarding to see work finally starting on site, as it has taken a true partnership approach to unlock this brownfield land.” The properties at Amethyst Homes’ Vallum Heights will be built using modern methods of construction, with the use of timber frame, which is a first for Amethyst. Working in partnership with Aberdeen based, Kirkwood Timber Frame, this method of construction will enable each home’s structural frame to be erected on site within a day. In addition, benefits to the buyer include highly efficient insulation – in line with latest industry Building Regulations – and cost savings on energy bills. Andy Lewis, Business Development Manager at Kirkwood Timber Frame, added: “It is great to help Amethyst Homes deliver its first timber frame properties. The benefits are far reaching for the developer and the home buyer. “By using timber frame a housebuilder can reduce its carbon footprint by up to 40%* and it offers efficiencies during the construction process. For the homebuyer, timber frame offers a greater level of insulation. Timber is a natural thermal insulator stores and offers low energy consumption, which in turn saves homeowners money on their bills. “Scotland are leading the way in timber frame construction with over 90% of all new homes using this build method, far less in England with just 23% across the UK overall. It is great to see Amethyst embrace this technology, which we know is growing in popularity in the region.” The timber frame panels are made in Kirkwood’s state of the art manufacturing facility using the latest machinery in a semi-automated process. This means that external and internal walls are made to precision, reducing time and labour required on site. Whole houses are delivered to the site where a crane lifts the panels, floor and roof into place usually within a single day, allowing following on trades to complete the build in double quick time. 68 homes on the joint 12-acre site will be fitted with solar panels to generate renewable energy and further reduce carbon emissions. As part of the regeneration of the area over 25 jobs will be safeguarded and a new homes sales executive recruited. Through the lifetime of the project there will be investment in training and employment, parks and recreation and local community initiatives, which will include allotments and open space developed at the south of the site, next to Wolsingham Street. Among the new trees and shrubs will be butterfly bank features to encourage biodiversity in the area. For more information about Vallum Heights, please visit https://amethysthomes.co.uk/our-developments/future-developments/vallum-heights/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Work will shortly begin to deliver hundreds of affordable homes, retail spaces and community facilities across Blackbird Leys, now formal planning permission has been granted by Oxford City Council. The council’s planning committee approved plans to carry out the transformational redevelopment in August, following more than four years of engagement with the Blackbird Leys community and more than 1,500 pieces of feedback from local residents and stakeholders. The plans by housing association Peabody (formerly Catalyst) and development partner Oxford City Council include 294 homes across two sites, which will help to tackle Oxford’s housing shortage. A new district centre will include 210 homes, 83 percent (174 homes) of which will be for social or affordable rent and 17 percent (36 homes) for shared ownership. A further 84 houses for shared ownership will be built at Knights Road. The district centre is also set to provide new high-quality facilities to support the Blackbird Leys community and others that live and work in the local area. This will include green spaces, shops and a community centre, as well as improved roads with a segregated cycle route. Beginning in April 2019, Peabody and Oxford City Council held more than 15 events for Blackbird Leys residents to feed into plans, engaging with the local community through door knocks, leaflet drops, webinars and in-person events. With planning permission secured and agreements now finalised, the project’s contractor Hill has begun preparation work on site, including putting up hoardings at the existing Community Centre and Evenlode Tower parking and garages. Demolition will begin shortly, with the old Community Centre expected to be taken down at the end of the month. Hill will be hosting a ‘Meet the Builder’ event on Wednesday 31 January for local residents to meet the construction team, learn more about the construction process and ask the project team questions. The drop-in session will take place in the hall of Church of The Holy Family in Cuddesdon Way from 3pm to 6pm. Peabody and the council have also been working with local communities since August to understand their views about the new Blackbird Leys Community Centre and the public space surrounding it, which will be delivered as part of the first phase of the redevelopment. Along with events, meetings and consultations, the Leys Community Review Panel – made up of local residents – has been set up to communicate the community’s needs to the design team. Planning consent for the Community Centre has been granted in ‘outline’, and there will be further opportunities for the community to influence plans until the submission of a detailed planning application in the spring. Peabody and Oxford City Council will soon set out further information about how local people can access opportunities to work on the Blackbird Leys redevelopment project, learn skills in construction, and get involved with artwork on construction hoarding. Simon Barry, Managing Director, Development at Peabody said: “We’ve come a long way since we first engaged with the community in 2019 about our proposals for Blackbird Leys, so I’m delighted to now see work beginning on site. This marks a critical step forward in our programme to rejuvenate this area with much-needed affordable homes and purpose-built high-quality public spaces. “The next stage is to finalise our plans for the Community Centre, and we’ve had brilliant conversations with local residents and organisations over the past few months – that’s thanks to the fantastic energy of this community. We’re looking forward to building on this as we move through the final design stage.” Councillor Linda Smith, cabinet member for housing, Oxford City Council, said: “The start of construction work on site is a major milestone in the long history of this project. Some people believed we’d never get to this stage, and the current difficulties in construction and property development mean it’s taken more time and lots of hard work to get here. “I’d like to thank local people for bearing with us over the years as the scheme was paused and re-started and the vision for a new district centre for Blackbird Leys was developed. We now have work commencing on a scheme which will deliver nearly 300 much-needed new affordable homes, modern shops and a brand-new community centre, which will be a big boost for residents of Blackbird Leys.” Homes England played an important role in the funding of the Blackbird Leys project, with their housing grant and infrastructure funding supporting the delivery of the much-needed homes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Platform Housing Group, the largest social landlord in the Midlands, have announced they will be part of this year’s UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in May. The housing association is hosting a discussion on redefining partnership working and how it can help solve the housing crisis on the opening day of the three-day event in Leeds, starting on May 21st. The forum is expected to attract over 10,000 developers, investors, occupiers and local authorities attending various sessions centred around the built environment. Executive Director of Growth and Development Gerraint Oakley will lead the discussion, alongside hand-picked guests to explore the issues surrounding the barriers currently experienced in development. Mr Oakley said, “We’re delighted to be returning to UKREiiF following the success of our participation in the 2023 event. Our partnership work is going to be crucial in succeeding in providing affordable housing in the next 12 months and beyond and the forum will be a key part of our engagement with the sector. All the indications are that there will be even more people attending and that can only mean more important conversations and ideas-sharing that will benefit the built environment.” Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of UKREiiF, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Platform Housing Group will be joining us at the third annual UKREiiF event! Their dedication to excellence in housing and community impact perfectly resonates with our ethos of fostering industry advancement and impactful partnerships. We eagerly anticipate their bespoke session, enriching our discussions and contributing to the event’s success.” Led by the UK’s leading property events company Built Environment Networking and supported by some of the biggest UK property and infrastructure companies, the third annual UKREiiF event will be held in Leeds on 21-23 May 2024. The forum will attract inward investment, generate economic growth, and drive a more sustainable and inclusive culture within the property and construction industries. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A2Dominion Group has announced the appointment of Tracey Barnes as its first Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The permanent new role will oversee all of the Group’s finance activities, treasury, business planning, procurement, governance, compliance, legal, communications, digital, corporate strategy, and the people team. The appointment is part of A2Dominion’s wider leadership changes, following the launch of its new Corporate Strategy earlier this year which focuses on customers and core services. It also signals the streamlining of its financial executive director roles, combining the positions of Executive Director of Finance & Strategy (held by Dean Tufts who retires early next year) and Executive Director of Central & Financial Services, which has been held by Tracey Barnes on a fixed-term basis since February 2023. Prior to joining A2Dominion, Tracey was Chief Finance Officer at Sovereign Housing Association and held a number of roles internationally at Diageo for over 20 years, including Chief Finance Officer of East African Breweries Ltd, Chief Finance Officer of Diageo Ireland and Managing Director of Diageo Business Services India. Tracey said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone at A2Dominion over the past few months, learning about what works and how things can be improved to totally transform the customer experience. I am delighted to have the opportunity to help to drive forward the changes that are needed.” Ian Wardle, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tracey Barnes as our new Chief Finance Officer. The role attracted a significant number of high calibre applicants, and it is testament to Tracey, who came out on top following a rigorous recruitment process. “She brings a wealth of experience, and I look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver ambitious plans for customers.”
Choice Housing, one of Northern Ireland’s largest housing associations alongside their subsidiary Maple and May, has launched the construction of their £18 million mixed tenure development in Newry. The project team were joined at the city centre location by Clonrose Developments, who will lead the development of the site. The former Saint Clare’s Convent and Primary School in High Street, Newry was given the green light for redevelopment in March of this year. Development of the scheme is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and when all work has been finalised, it is set to consist of eighty-eight units in total, of which 18 will be two bed apartments for private rent managed by Choice subsidiary Maple and May and a further 70 social housing properties, managed by Choice. Another key feature of the multi-million-pound scheme will be the bespoke community hub that will provide a range of high quality and cost-effective services to local people. Partners working with Choice and Maple and May in this project include Clonrose Developments, H&J Martin Construction, Gray Designs, a Newry-based Architects firm and Hall Black Douglas Architects. Michael McDonnell, Choice Group Chief Executive said: “This is one of Choice Housing’s biggest and most ambitious projects in recent times and I am pleased to see the project get under way. “Not only does this development represent a significant boost to the area economically and, at the same time, help to address the ever-growing need for social and private rentals in Newry, we also believe it is sensitive to an area that has historical significance and interest. “In a part of Newry that’s been under-developed for some time now, when St Clare’s has been finished by contractors, Choice Housing is confident that this will be a very attractive place to live.” Stephen Davey, Director of Clonrose Developments, added: “We are really pleased to continue our strong relationship with Choice Housing and Maple May and deliver what will be our fourth and most ambitious project to date for them. The former St Clare’s Convent and Primary School represents a very challenging site from a development perspective, located within a conservation area and combining the sympathetic restoration of a listed Chapel and the retention of many mature trees. However, once complete, we are confident it will provide a unique setting for the 88 new homes, within walking distance of Newry City Centre.” Choice has 741 properties in the Newry Mourne and Down area, with 448 of these designated for family housing and the remainder a mix of sheltered and supported housing respectively. The high-quality homes, care and support services Choice provide help meet the diverse needs of its customers, including pensioners, families, mature singles, and individuals with complex needs. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
An event at a new development of homes in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire has marked Stonewater’s 6000th new home. Customers and community members joined partners involved in the delivery of the homes at Blunden Meadows to celebrate both the completion of the scheme and Stonewater’s 6000th home to be provided since the leading social housing provider was formed in 2015. The completion of the development, which has provided 38 new homes with a mixture of houses, bungalows and maisonettes, brings Stonewater’s contribution to affordable housing in Herefordshire to over 2700 homes. The event bought together representatives from construction firm Speller Metcalfe, based just over the county border in Worcestershire, local authority Herefordshire Council and Homes England, who have partially funded the almost £8 million new development. Special guest at the celebratory event was former Chair of Stonewater’s Board George Blunden, whose father the site is named after, and who planted a commemorative tree to mark the 6000th home. During his tenure, George was responsible for establishing the Longleigh Foundation to address the gap between the needs of Stonewater customers and support available to them. He also championed public art on development sites resulting in the launch of Stonewater’s Blunden Prize, now in its second year, being named after him, and was also asked to unveil the public art installation at Blunden Meadows and a plaque commemorating the housing provider’s milestone. Stonewater has advocated and commissioned public art on its development schemes for over a decade, often relating the design to the local area and history. The Ewyas Harold site is no exception, with a steel train and benches representing the Golden Valley Railway, which used to run in the area, created by local architect firm, Studio Bad. Alongside the public artwork, the village site has been landscaped with green areas and trees and includes a children’s play area. Children from Ewyas Harold Primary School have also been busy making bird boxes and bug hotels for the site. As well as encouraging wildlife to the site, sustainability and the environment has been at the forefront of construction plans, with the new homes featuring the Kensa “shoebox” ground source heat pump system, used successfully on earlier Stonewater sites, and the Switchee system, which helps to save residents money by reducing energy wastage, as well as photovoltaic solar panels. Nicholas Harris, Chief Executive of Stonewater, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have been able to mark the fantastic milestone of providing 6000 much-needed affordable homes across the country. We’re also honoured to be naming this scheme after the Blunden family, in dedication of their committed public service. “Developments like this make an important contribution to meeting the housing needs of the local community, at a time when affordable housing couldn’t be more important. “The Blunden Meadows site is a fantastic showcase for the amazing work that has been done not only here but on previous Stonewater development sites, working with partners to provide new homes alongside public art, sustainable features and community initiatives.” Mark Eaton, Director at Speller Metcalfe said: “We’re delighted to have finished this new housing scheme. Not only does the project mark a significant milestone for Stonewater, but it also means the residents of Hereford and Abergavenny have affordable and sustainable housing available to them on their doorstep.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Further expanding its commitment to creating even more New Build homes in St Helens, Torus Developments is investing £17.2 million into the development of 77 affordable homes at Rutland Street in Cowley Hill, St Helens. Contributing to a three-year programme to build over 500 new homes in St Helens, Rutland Street will see 23 Shared Ownership houses and 54 over 55s Affordable Rent apartments created. Focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the development itself and future residents’ energy bills, Rutland Street will see Torus Developments further its commitment to becoming a greener, future-focused developer. Funded, in part, by Homes England’s Strategic Partnership 2012-2026 programme and £1.16 million from Mayor Steve Rotheram’s Brownfield Land Fund, the scheme will redevelop a site, that was vacant for over 10 years, by creating modern, energy saving homes of the highest quality. Discussing the scheme, Director of Development and Technical, Steve Alcock, said: “Rutland Street showcases our ongoing dedication to creating new affordable homes and employment opportunities in St Helens. It’s a fantastic scheme overlooking Victoria Park and everyone involved has worked collaboratively to reach this point. “Torus are committed to improving the experience of our customers and neighbours in St Helens, creating a development that is fully embedded in its local community way before keys are handed over to future residents.” Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “We are specifically targeting brownfield sites to help protect our precious green spaces from overdevelopment – turning once-forgotten areas back into thriving communities. “I want everyone in our area to have the chance to realise their home ownership ambitions – to get their foot on the property ladder and invest in their future. Yet, for too long, achieving that dream has been out of reach for many of our residents who have been forced to contend with a broken housing market, that simply doesn’t work for them. Thanks to devolution, we are working to put that right by investing £60 million to open up a pipeline of 4,000 homes across our six boroughs by ensuring that there are suitable sites for development.” Kate Collins, Senior Manager, Provider Management, Large and Strategic Providers at Homes England, continued: “As a Homes England Strategic Partner, Torus has committed to delivering new affordable homes via the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26. It’s fantastic to see works underway Rutland Street, which brings a neglected urban area back into use and represents a significant contribution to the programme. At Homes England we are committed to supporting our partners to increase the supply of good quality affordable housing in the communities where they’re needed most.” HMS’ Construction Director, John Barrow, continued: “Rutland Street is the largest site HMS has undertaken in St Helens to date and I am looking forward to be leading the development of a scheme that will see a number of green solutions embedded into its design. For HMS, we want to be at the forefront of building more eco-friendly schemes and be able to continue working with Torus on developing homes that meet residents’ needs in the short and long term, is something I am proud of. When completed, Rutland Street will not only be a great example of how we work to build fantastic homes, but actively create opportunities for local people and suppliers.” Due for completion by Summer 2025, Rutland Street will completely redevelop a brownfield site to create a thriving housing development that will give future residents access to numerous local amenities. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
